AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
410 North 21st Street  Colorado Springs  CO 80904-2712  (719) 636-1100  Fax (719) 636-1993
FEPAC Form 5.2
Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
Self-Study Report
1. Name of the Institution:
The George Washington University
2. Mailing address:
2121 Eye Street NW
Washington, DC
20052
3. Name of Forensic Science Program:
Master of Forensic Sciences
4. Department, Division, and/or School in which the Forensic Science Program is located:
Department of Forensic Sciences
5. Name and title of Forensic Science Program Director:
Walter F. Rowe, PhD, Chair
6. Contact information for the Forensic Science Program Director:
Telephone: 202-252-5757
Fax:
202-252-5761
E-mail:
wfrowe@gwu.edu
7. Program information:
Number of Faculty
Full-time
Part-time
Current Academic Year
6
24
Previous Academic Year
6
Number of Students
Full-time
Part-time
Current Academic Year
Previous Academic Year
0
0
Email: membship@aafs.org
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Web Site: http://www.aafs.org
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Federal ID Number: 87-0287045
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SECTION 1 – GENERAL STANDARDS
3.0 STANDARDS FOR ALL PROGRAMS
All undergraduate and graduate programs seeking FEPAC accreditation must meet basic
requirements of eligibility.
3.1 Initial Requirements
1. The institution offering the program is accredited by an institutional accrediting
agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
2. The degree awarded upon successful completion of the program is at least a
bachelor’s degree in either forensic science or a natural science with a concentration
in forensic science.
3. The program seeking initial accreditation with FEPAC shall have graduated at least
two classes before applying for accreditation.
Program Response:
1. The George Washington University is accredited by its regional accrediting agency, the
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University is on the approved list of the American Association of University Women and is
a member of the College Board.
2. Graduates of the program are awarded the degree of Master of Forensic Sciences.
3. The forensic science masters programs at The George Washington University were instituted
in 1968 and the first graduates received their degrees in 1970. At this point The George
Washington University has graduated forty-one classes.
Standard 3.2 Planning and Evaluation
The program shall have an explicit process for evaluating and monitoring its overall efforts
to fulfill its mission, goals, and objectives; for assessing its effectiveness in serving its
various constituencies; for modifying the curriculum as necessary, based on the results of
its evaluation activities; and for planning to achieve its mission in the future. Toward this
end, the program shall conduct at regular intervals an analytical self-evaluation that
responds to the FEPAC standards and includes a summary statement both of the
program’s strengths and weaknesses with regard to each standard and of the program’s
performance with respect to student achievement. The program evaluation system shall
consist, at a minimum, of the following elements:
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1. An analysis of the results of students’ performance in a capstone experience;
e.g., an evaluation of forensic science standardized test results, publications
and/or reports,
2. Exit questionnaire and interview of graduates,
3. Post-graduate assessment, such as Job placement statistics, and
4. Demonstrate how collected information is used in the evaluation and
development of the program to meet its mission, goals, and objectives.
Program Response:
[THIS AREA NEEDS WORK]
Standard 3.3 Institutional Support
The program shall receive adequate support from the institution. Financial resources
available to the program shall be sufficient to allow the program to achieve its mission,
goals, and objectives. The resources should be comparable to those of other natural science
programs at the institution.
Classrooms, laboratories, and other program facilities, including equipment and supplies,
shall be adequate for the size and scope of the program. Instructional and support services
for the program shall also be adequate.
Program Response:
The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) has provided funding for six full-time,
full-service faculty. Three of these full-time positions are also tenure-track positions. The
Department is also in the process of hiring an additional full-time faculty member in a tenure
track position. CCAS also provides funding for as many as fifteen part-time faculty on campus.
CCAS also provides three GTA packages for the Department, one of which will fund a PhD
student in the Department of Biological Sciences. CCAS also provides up to six half-tuition
packages to help the Department attract qualified graduate students.
Describe the physical facilities available to the program, including classrooms, laboratories,
and any other facilities the program routinely uses.
The Department of Forensic Sciences has available classroom space at the University's Mt
Vernon campus. Classrooms at The George Washington University are not assigned to specific
departments or degree programs but are allocated to scheduled classes based on their sizes.
Almost all of the University classrooms are ‘smart classrooms’ which are equipped with desktop
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computer systems, DVD and VHS players, LCD projectors and Internet access. The space
currently assigned exclusively to the Department of Forensic Sciences consists of (1) seven
offices for five faculty members, one executive aide and the Department’s graduate teaching
assistants (GTAs) and (2) five laboratories. The laboratory space is allocated as follows:
Two wet laboratories in the Acheson Science Center at the Mt. Vernon campus;
A combined microscope laboratory and instrument laboratory in the Acheson Science Center;
One DNA extraction laboratory;
One DNA amplification and analysis laboratory; and
One laboratory for conventional serology.
Describe the instructional and academic support services available to the program, including
the library, learning center, computer center, and other major academic support services.
The George Washington University has an extensive library system which includes the Gelman
Library (the main university library), the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library, and the Jacob
Burns Law Library. All graduate students and faculty of the Department of Forensic Sciences
have access to the holdings in the Gelman Library; in addition to the physical holdings in this
library, students and faculty may access major forensic science journals such as the Journal of
Forensic Sciences and Forensic Science International online. Students and faculty who are
conducting focused research on a particular topic may also be granted access to the Himmelfarb
and Burns Libraries. The George Washington University participates in the Washington
Research Libraries Consortium, which makes accessible to students and faculty the resources of
eight Washington-area university libraries. The university also participates in the Chesapeake
Information and Research Library Alliance which makes the collections of five additional major
libraries in the Washington area available to graduate students.
To facilitate student learning The George Washington University uses the Blackboard Course
Management System to make syllabuses, course outlines, assigned readings and other course
materials available to students. The University Counseling Center provides a broad range of
services to help students with academic, career and personal issues. The Electronic learning and
Study Strategies Inventory allows students to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their study
strategies. The Office of Gradlife specifically aids graduate students in getting jobs and in
finding places to live. It also hosts the Graduate Student Academic Success and Professional
Development Series, a series of workshops on such topics as negotiating terms of employment,
funding dissertation research and the preparation of electronic dissertations and theses. The
George Washington University Writing Center conducts free, one-on-one sessions with undergraduate
and graduate students to assist them with course writing assignments, research papers, theses, and
personal statements.
Computer laboratories are available on a 24-hour basis at a number of locations:
The ACADEMIC CENTER
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Room B1 Hallway – 12 terminals
Room B104 – 26 terminals, two black and white printers, one color printer
Collaborative Computing Center – 6 terminals with dual flatscreen monitors, access to
two black and white printers and one color printer in B104, and one “Smart Board”
(interactive whiteboard)
GELMAN LIBRARY
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Room B05 – 66 terminals, three printers
Room B04-F – 15 terminals, one printer
MARVIN CENTER
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Room G04 – 38 terminals, two printers
ECKLES LIBRARY ON THE MOUNT VERNON CAMPUS (MVC)
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Room 113 – 7 terminals, one printer
In addition, almost all of the buildings on the main university and the Mt. Vernon campus have
WiFi internet access.
The Career Center of The George Washington University helps students find part-time and fulltime employment. The Center maintains extensive job listings and helps students prepare
resumes.
The George Washington University provides support for the Department of Forensic Sciences in
the form of three graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs) each year. These GTAs set up the
crime scene investigation, forensic chemistry and forensic molecular biology laboratories. The
GTAs receive tuition benefits and stipends. In addition to the GTA positions the Department of
Forensic Sciences also receives from the University five half-time tuition packages. These are
used to attract new students to the degree program. The University also provides tuition benefits
for five GTAs at the the Department of Chemistry of The Catholic University of America.
Catholic University pays the students approximately $3,000 per semester.
Analysis
Evaluate the financial resources available to the program in comparison to those available
to other natural science programs at the institution.
Comparison of the financial resources available to the Department of Forensic Sciences in
comparison to those available to other natural science programs at the University is difficult to
make: unlike the other natural science departments the Department of Forensic Sciences has no
undergraduate degree programs that require support and unlike the other natural science
departments the Department of Forensic Sciences teaches a large number of graduate courses
with substantial laboratory components. The University has provided support in the form of
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tuition packages that are not available to other natural science graduate students. Forensic
science graduate students are also employed as instructional assistants in the Department of
Chemistry.
Graduate students in the Department of Forensic Sciences receive the same funding for
presenting papers at scientific meetings as do graduate students in other departments of the
University.
Evaluate the adequacy of the institution’s support for the program, including the financial
resources, the facilities, and the various instructional and academic support services
available to the program.
The high level of support of The George Washington University for the forensic science degree
programs is shown by (1) the University creating a free-standing Department of Forensic
Sciences (rather than placing the forensic science degree program within one of the existing
natural science departments), (2) providing dedicated laboratory and office space for the
Department and (3) providing positions for six full-time, full-service faculty members. The
Department has provided teaching laboratory space in the Acheson Science Center on the Mt.
Vernon campus, as well as office and laboratory space in Somers Hall on the same campus. The
University has provided funds for the purchase of major pieces of equipment (GC-MS and SEM)
for the exclusive use of the Department and for the transfer of a major piece of equipment (the
Perkin-Elmer FTIR spectrometer) from the United States Secret Service laboratory.
What do the results of these evaluations reveal about the institution’s support for the
program? What do they reveal in terms of specific strengths and weaknesses of that
support? What do the results show about the extent to which the program complies with
Standard 3.3?
• Plan
Summarize the program’s plans to address any concerns identified in the analysis.
Supporting Documentation Required for Standard 3.3:
• A copy of the program’s budget for the last two years
• A list of the major equipment available to the program
The Department of Forensic Sciences has the following major pieces of equipment :
Varian Saturn 2000 Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer
Perkin-Elmer Spectrum GX FTIR spectrometer with AutoImage infrared microscope accessory
Hitachi S-2400 Scanning Electron Microscope
Cepheid Smart Cycler real time PCR system
Stratagene RoboCycler Gradient 96
2 x GeneAmp PCR System 9700
ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer
The Department has access to the following major pieces of equipment that belong to the
Department of Chemistry:
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UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer
Raman spectrometer
XRF spectrometer
XRD scanning diffractometer
• A list of the principal library holdings that support the program
A complete list of forensic science journals available to faculty and students is attached. The
Gelman Library has hard copies or online archives of the following forensic science journals
extending backward at least twenty years:
The Journal of Forensic Sciences
Science and Justice (formerly The Journal of the Forensic Science Society)
Forensic Science International
The Gelman Library has hard copies or online archives of the major journals in chemistry,
biology, anthropology and physics. Faculty and students can obtain copies of virtually any article
through the Washington Research Library Consortium.
The Gelman Library has 1350 books relating to various aspects of forensic science. Faculty and
students can also borrow books from any of the university libraries that participate in the
Washington Research Library Consortium.
Standard 3.4 Student Support Services
The program shall provide adequate student support services, including mentoring,
academic advising, and career and placement services. The program shall also provide an
environment and culture that is congruent with professional standards and behaviors.
Program Response:
• Description
Describe the types of student support services available to support the program (e.g.,
mentoring, academic advising, career advising, and placement services). Also describe any
special support services the program provides to forensic science students (e.g., a special
orientation program for forensic science students or special faculty advising).
The Department of Forensic Sciences holds an orientation for incoming students each August
before the start of fall semester classes. Each student receives a student handbook, which covers
administrative support available to students within the University as well as academic rules and
regulations. Each student is assigned according to his/her area of concentration to a full-time
faculty adviser who works with the student to draw up a program of study, suggests funding
sources, helps the student find internships and makes the student aware of job opportunities. The
faculty adviser is highly experienced in the concentration for which he or she is an adviser. The
Department of Forensic Sciences also maintains an email listserv for current and recently
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graduated students. This listserv is used to make students and graduates aware of internship and
employment opportunities.
The University Writing Center conducts free, one-on-one sessions with undergraduate and
graduate students to assist them with course writing assignments, research papers, theses, and
personal statements. The Writing Center schedules sessions that last either 25 minutes or 50
minutes. Trained graduate and undergraduate peer tutors help students develop and focus their
ideas, implement an organizational strategy, utilize evidence proficiently, and clarify their syntax
and diction.
The University Disability Support Services (DSS) works with students to ensure access to every
opportunity for learning and personal growth so that they may participate as fully as possible in
campus life. A wide range of support is offered by DSS. In addition to customary academic
accommodations (such as extended time on exams, interpreting services, reading services and so
forth), DSS encourages students to develop an individual working relationship with its staff to
address learning and disability management issues. These may include advice on course load and
selection, learning strategies, organization and time-management, and self-advocacy.
Analysis
Evaluate the adequacy of the student support services available to support
the program. Are
the services adequate for the size and scope of the program?
Evaluate the success of the program in providing an environment and
culture that is
congruent with professional standards and behaviors.
What do the results of these evaluations reveal in terms of strengths or
weaknesses of the
student support services? What do the results show about the extent to
which the program
complies with Standard 3.4?
Plan
Summarize the program’s plans to address any concerns identified in the
analysis.
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Supporting Documentation Required for Standard 3.4:
• A copy of any brochures, pamphlets, or other material the program
provides students as part
of its academic advising, career advising, or other student support activity
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Standard 3.5 Recruiting and Admissions Practices, Academic Calendars, Catalogs,
Publications, Grading and Advertising
The program shall have policies and procedures for student recruitment and admissions
that locate and select qualified individuals who have the educational prerequisites and the
interest and motivation to pursue careers in forensic science. These policies and
procedures shall identify the scientific background necessary and clearly define the
expectations for admission to, continuation in, and completion of the program. In addition,
the student shall be advised of the typical suitability requirements particular to
employment in the field. Specifically, students should be advised that: Background checks
similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of
employment (Reference: NIJ Report NCJ 203099 – “Qualifications for a Career in
Forensic Science.” pp. 7-10).
All statements made about the program in any promotional advertising, catalogs, or other
institutional publications shall be accurate.
The program shall ensure that all students receive timely and accurate information about
the academic calendar, required coursework and degree requirements, grading policies
and satisfactory academic progress, and other relevant academic policies.
All application, admission, and degree-granting requirements and regulations shall be
applied equitably to individual applicants and students regardless of age, sex, race,
disability, religion, or national origin.
Program Response:
In order to locate and select individuals who have the educational backgrounds, interest and
motivation to pursue careers in forensic science, the Department maintains email contacts with
the chairs (or program directors) of chemistry and biology bachelor’s degree programs in the
Maryland, DC, and Virginia areas. The Department also uses email to contact faculty advisers in
science degree programs from which current degree candidates have come. The Department also
maintains its own website which provides relevant information regarding admissions criteria,
courses of study [http://departments.columbian.gwu.edu/forensicsciences/].
All relevant academic requirements for the degree program are set forth in the University
Bulletin, which is available on the University website. This information is repeated on the
Department’s website. The academic calendar is posted on the University’s website, along with
the University Bulletin and the schedule of classes for a two-year period. Each student receives a
student handbook upon entering the degree program. This handbook spells out the required
coursework and degree requirements. This handbook also describes grading policies and other
relevant academic policies.
All application, admission, and degree-granting requirements and regulations are applied
equitably to individual applicants and students regardless of age, sex, race, disability, religion, or
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national origin. According to the Guide To Student Rights And Responsibilities2010-2011,
The University will not permit discrimination on grounds of sex, race, color, religion,
national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, or any
other illegal basis in any University-recognized area of student life. Additionally, all
areas of student life are subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Human
Rights Act.
[http://my.gwu.edu/files/policies/20102011%20Guide%20Student%20RightsFINAL.pdf]
Standard 3.6 Record of Student Complaints
The program shall have a procedure for handling student complaints. At a minimum, this
procedure shall include informing students of their right to file a complaint with the
institution and providing students with the institution’s procedures for filing such a
complaint.
The program shall maintain a record of all complaints it receives, as well as the resolution
of those complaints. The program shall make this record available to members of the onsite evaluation team during the on-site visit.
Program Response:
Documentation of student rights and grievance procedures.
The Student Handbook is provided to all students beginning the program and students receive new
copies as revisions appear. It provides web site URLs for university documents concerning student
rights and grievance procedures. This includes the University’s Guide to Student Rights and
Responsibilities (attached as an appendix to this self-study), which includes sections on the
University Policy on Equal Opportunity, The Policy on Sexual Harassment, Student Grievance
Procedures, Code of Student Conduct, and the Code of Academic Integrity, as well as the CCAS
Graduate Student Handbook (also attached as an appendix), which includes additional information
on Academic Regulations, Authorized Withdrawal processes, Appeal Procedures, and Degree
Requirements. Specific procedures for addressing grievance issues within the Department are found
on pages 15-16 of the Student Handbook. Guidelines for faculty and staff concerning the recognition
and prevention of sexual harassment are found on page 16.
*
From our Student Handbook:
Grievance/Appeal Policies and Procedures
All decisions or actions by the Department of Forensic Sciences Faculty are subject to
grievance and appeal by the student. With all grievances it is recommended that the
student first consult in confidence a trusted faculty member, his/her advisor Program
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Director (for off-campus programs) or the Department Chair to help determine possible
solutions for resolving the grievance prior to filing a formal grievance. If resolution
appears impossible or if the student prefers, a formal grievance should be filed. Decisions
by the Department of Forensic Sciences, the Department faculty, or the Associate Dean for
Graduate Studies can always be appealed to the Dean of the Columbian College of Arts
and Sciences.
Department and University Policies. This section expands upon policies of the Department of
Forensic Sciences, the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, and The George Washington
University, to provide additional information in regard to recommendations and decisions by
Department of Forensic Sciences. University policies concerning student grievances and appeals
are documented in the George Washington University Guide to Student Rights and
Responsibilities, available through the web at http://gwired.gwu.edu/dos/GuidetoStudentRights/.
Discrimination. Students have the right to file a grievance in regard to faculty or departmental
actions which are deemed to be inappropriate or unfair based on discrimination. Procedures for
filing a grievance are described in the GWU Guide to Student Rights and Responsibilities.
The University and the Department of Forensic Sciences are firmly committed to equal
educational opportunity. In particular, we are determined to avoid preferential or discriminatory
treatment based on any factor such as age, ethnic or national origin, gender, race, religion, sexual
orientation, or disability. Any person who feels they have been unfairly treated because of these
or other factors irrelevant to their educational activities should consult their adviser, the Program
Director(for off-campus programs), the Department Chair, or the General Counsel for further
information.
Sexual Harassment. Grievances regarding Sexual Harassment are formally handled by the Sexual
Harassment Coordinator at the Office of General Council. For definitions of sexual harassment
and contacts for filing a grievance, see the University web site at
http://my.gwu.edu/files/policies/SexualHarassmentFINAL.pdf .
Course Grade Appeals. Appeals concerning course grades are presented to the Chair of the
Department of Forensic Sciences. For off- Campus Programs, appeals are made to the Program
Director. If not resolution can be reached within the Program, they are referred the Chair
Program Decisions. Grievances may be submitted regarding Department of Forensic Sciences
faculty recommendations or decisions, including required deadlines for particular requirements,
requirements for repeating courses, requirements for repeating or taking on extra internship
training, or any determination of unsatisfactory progress. A grievance is first submitted to the
Chair of the Department of Forensic Sciences. The Chair will seek a resolution agreeable to both
parties. If the grievance cannot be resolved by the Chair, the grievance will be presented to the
full faculty of the Department of Forensic Sciences. Any decision made by the departmental
faculty may be appealed to the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. . For off- campus programs,
a grievance is first submitted to the Program Director. The Program Director will seek a
resolution agreeable to both parties. If the grievance can not be resolved by the Program
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Director, the grievance will be presented to the Chair and then the full faculty of the Department
of Forensic Sciences. Here too, any decision made by the departmental faculty may be appealed
to the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.
Actions such as terminating a student or placing a student on official probation can only be taken
by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. Departmental faculty may recommend such actions.
If such a recommendation is made, a student may appeal this recommendation to the Chair or
directly to the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.
Violation of CCAS Requirements. Violation of grade requirements, requirements for
registration, or time limits for completion of required progress toward graduation are reported to
the student by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. The violation might result in a
recommendation of termination or setting of deadlines. In these cases, a student may appeal to
the Department of Forensic Sciences, via the Chair (Program Director – for off-campus
programs), for support for a “Request for Exception.” This request is then submitted to the
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. If the request is supported by the Department of Forensic
Science faculty but the request is denied by the Associate Dean, the departmental faculty can join
the student’s appeal to the Dean if requested by the student.
Other Grievances. Any grievance not covered by the above information should be discussed in
confidence with the Department Chair, Program Director, a trusted faculty member (such as the
student’s advisor), or with the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, for assistance in
determining the appropriate method for filing or resolving the grievance.
Standard 3.7 Distance Learning and Other Alternative Delivery Mechanisms
FEPAC considers distance learning to be one of several acceptable forms of instructional
methodology. Therefore, FEPAC does not maintain separate standards for distance
learning or other alternative delivery mechanisms and expects all programs to meet the
same standards for accreditation, regardless of the instructional methodology used.
FEPAC acknowledges that laboratory-based instruction is integral to any science-based
discipline such as forensic science. Therefore, any program that offers at least some
instruction via distance learning shall demonstrate that it includes an appropriate
laboratory experience for all students.
Program Response:
At the present time the department offers five courses online. One of these, ForS 6212:
Biological Aspects of Forensic Science, is a required course for certain students in the Master of
Forensic Science degree program. As a survey course it has no laboratory component. This
course is also offered on-campus.
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SECTION 2 – STANDARDS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
NOTE: This section is to be filled out only if the program seeking accreditation leads to the baccalaureate degree.
4.0 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM STANDARDS
An undergraduate forensic science program shall provide a basic foundation in the
scientific and laboratory problem-solving skills necessary for success in a modern forensic
laboratory. Such a program shall combine rigorous scientific and laboratory training with
exposure to the breadth of forensic science disciplines, including forensic science practice,
law enforcement, and ethics.
Standard 4.1 Mission, Goals and Objectives
The undergraduate forensic science program shall have a clearly formulated mission with
well-defined supporting goals and educational objectives. The mission statement should be
a clear and succinct representation of the program’s purpose for existence, its philosophies,
goals, and ambitions. The mission shall be appropriate to the institution and consistent
with the goals and objectives of the forensic science community to produce a technically
skilled and educated workforce. The goals and objectives shall be clearly specified,
consistent with the mission, and appropriate in light of the degree(s) awarded.
The undergraduate forensic science degree should not necessarily be viewed as a terminal
degree but instead can provide preparation for a variety of graduate and professional
degrees including clinical and analytical chemistry, medicine, law, and biomedical research
and advanced degrees in forensic science.
Program Response:
Standard 4.2 Undergraduate Admission Requirements
At a minimum, a high school diploma or GED shall be required for admission into a
forensic science undergraduate program. Additionally, a program shall be in place to
assist and advise entering students to ensure that they have the requisite background in
science and mathematics for success in the degree.
Program Response:
Standard 4.3 Curriculum
No course may be used to satisfy more than one of the standards in 4.3.2.1 through 4.3.2.4
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or standards 4.3.3.1 through 4.3.3.4.
Standard 4.3.1 General Curriculum Requirements
The undergraduate program in forensic science shall offer a coherent curriculum that
reflects the mission and goals of the program and provides the student with the appropriate
skills requisite for the bachelor’s degree.
The curriculum shall, at a minimum, ensure that each student:
1. Obtains a thorough grounding in the natural sciences,
2. Builds upon this background by taking a series of more advanced science classes,
and,
3. Develops, through course work and laboratory-based instruction, an
appreciation of issues specific to forensic science,
The program shall have clear procedures for assessing and documenting each student’s
progress toward fulfillment of these objectives.
Program Response:
Standard 4.3.2 Specific Curriculum Requirements
The specific curricular requirements that follow are based on the fact that most forensic
scientists work in areas such as drug analysis, trace analysis, firearms and toolmarks, and
forensic biology. Students seeking to work in alternative areas of forensic science such as
computer analysis or crime scene reconstruction will require other curricula or further
training.
Because certain forensic science disciplines require more rigorous coursework than the
minimum described below, particularly more biology and chemistry, the program shall
ensure that its curriculum is adequate to prepare students for specialization in
subdisciplines of forensic science such as forensic biology, forensic chemistry, toxicology, or
pattern evidence examination. Table 1: Example Curricula for Forensic Science
Undergraduate degrees in the TWGED report provides sample curricula.
The curriculum shall include the following minimum components:
4.3.2.1. Natural Science Core Courses
Biology: at least one course, which includes an associated laboratory, in biology for
science majors (4 semester hours).
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Physics: at least two courses, each of which includes an associated laboratory, in
physics for science majors (8 semester hours). Note: Calculus-based physics is
preferred but not required.
Chemistry: at least four courses, each of which includes an associated laboratory.
Two of the courses shall be in general chemistry for science majors (8 semester
hours), and two shall be in organic chemistry for science majors (8 semester hours).
Mathematics: at least one course in differential and integral calculus (3 semester
hours) and at least one course in statistics (3 semester hours).
Program Response:
4.3.2.2. Specialized Science Courses
A minimum of 12 additional semester hours in more advanced coursework in chemistry or
biology. Note: These classes shall be consistent with the degree program and shall meet the
needs of students specializing in subdisciplines of forensic science. At least two of the
classes shall include laboratory training. A suggested list of classes that satisfy this
requirement may be found in the TWGED report.
Program Response:
4.3.2.3. Forensic Science Courses
A minimum of 15 semester hours in forensic science coursework that covers the following
topics: courtroom testimony; introduction to law; quality assurance; ethics, professional
practice, background checks; evidence identification, collection, processing; and a survey
of forensic science.
Of these 15 hours, 9 semester hours shall involve classes in forensic chemistry, forensic
biology, physical methods, or microscopy that contain a laboratory component.
Internships or independent study/research courses may be used to fulfill up to 6 hours of
this laboratory requirement.
Program Response:
4.3.2.4. Additional Courses
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A minimum of 19 additional semester hours of advanced, upper level courses that provide
greater depth in the student’s area of specialization beyond an introductory level in the
program are required. Students can use these additional courses to begin to specialize along
a forensic science discipline track..
Program Response:
Digital Evidence:
Standard 4.3.3 General Baccalaureate Curriculum Requirements
The specific curricular requirements that follow are based on the fact that most digital
forensic scientists work in areas such as electronic discovery, criminal investigation,
litigation support, information security, incident response, and policy compliance.
Students seeking work in alternative areas of forensic science such as drug analysis, trace
analysis, firearms and toolmarks, forensic biology, or crime scene reconstruction will
require other curricula or further training.
Because certain digital forensic science disciplines require more rigorous coursework than
the minimum described below, particularly more computer science, mathematics and
networking, the program shall ensure that its curriculum is adequate to prepare students
for specialization in sub-disciplines of digital forensic science such as network forensics,
audio and video forensics, mobile device forensics, anti-forensics, or malware analysis.
The curriculum shall include the following minimum components:
4.3.3.1 Computing and Information Science and Technology Core Courses
A minimum of 24 semester hours of coursework shall include the following topics:
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Computer organization and architecture
File systems and operating systems
Computer networking
Information security
Network security
Programming theory
Discrete mathematics and statistics
Data structures
Technical writing
Program Response:
4.3.3.2
Specialized Digital Forensic Science Courses
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A minimum of 24 semester hours is required in digital forensic science course work that
covers the following topics: identification, acquisition, authentication, examination,
analysis, and reporting. Courses in computer forensics, network forensics and a capstone
experience are required.
Internships or independent study/research courses may be used to fulfill up to three hours
of this requirement.
Program Response:
4.3.3.3
Forensic Science Courses
A minimum of 15 additional semester hours in coursework required for the study of
forensic science shall include the following topics:
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Survey of forensic sciences
Legal issues
Criminal investigation and procedure
Quality assurance
Testimony
Professional ethics
Program Response:
4.3.3.4
Additional Courses
A minimum of 15 additional semester hours is required in courses that provide greater
depth in the student’s area of specialization.
Additional semester hours to complete the minimum of 120 semester hours are to be
defined by the individual institution.
Program Response:
Standard 4.4 Program Director
The program director shall be full-time and appropriately qualified to provide leadership
in forensic science education, research, and scholarly activities so that students are
adequately prepared for forensic science practice.
Program Response:
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Standard 4.5 Faculty
The faculty shall be able to fully support the program’s mission, goals and objectives.
Specifically, faculty members and other instructional personnel shall be appropriately
qualified, by education and experience, and adequate in number to implement the
instructional program. In addition, the number of faculty members shall be sufficient to
ensure the offering, on a regular basis, of the full range of courses needed for the degree
program.
At least 50 percent of the full-time science faculty teaching in the undergraduate forensic
science program shall have an appropriate doctoral degree; faculty members with working
experience in a forensic science laboratory are preferred. Forensic faculty includes any
faculty who teaches a forensic science course or a support course designed specifically for
the program. The scientific and educational capabilities of the faculty should be
distributed over the major areas of the program.
The scientific and educational capabilities of the faculty should be distributed over the
major areas of the program.
Full-time faculty members shall oversee all coursework and ensure its applicability to the
program’s mission, goals, and objectives.
The program shall have well-defined policies and procedures to recruit, appoint, and
promote qualified faculty, to evaluate the competence and performance of faculty, and to
support the professional development and advancement of faculty.
Program Response:
Standard 4.6 Success with respect to student achievement
The program shall demonstrate that its graduates have a basic foundation in the scientific
and laboratory problem solving skills necessary for success in a modern crime laboratory.
The program may do this through the use of a formal, objective tool (such as the ABCAffiliate pre-certification process) or another appropriate pre-graduation assessment.
The program shall also document its record of student performance, as measured by
degree completion rates, job placement rates, and any additional outcome measures the
program may use to assess student progress and achievement. These records shall be
maintained for at least five years after student graduation.
Program Response:
FEPAC Form 5.2
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Standard 4.7 Professional Involvement
The program shall provide service to the forensic science profession and to the community
through some combination of communication, collaboration, consultation, technical
assistance, continuing education programs, and any other means it may have for sharing
the program’s professional knowledge and competence. The purpose of this involvement is
to provide opportunities for faculty and students to contribute to the advancement of the
field of forensic science, and to maintain program currency and credibility with
practitioners and forensic science laboratory administrators.
To enhance the preparation of students for employment in forensic science laboratories,
the program shall have a formal interaction with at least one operational forensic science
laboratory.
4.7.1 The program shall demonstrate formal, regular interaction with at least one
operational forensic science laboratory. This interaction must be on-going and
documented. This relationship must take the form of two or more of the following:
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Student internships,
Training opportunities where the program provides instruction to laboratory
personnel,
Faculty serving on laboratory advisory committees,
Coordinated research initiatives between the laboratory and academic program,
Professional activities coordinated between the laboratory and the academic
program,
Laboratory personnel serving in an advisory capacity to the academic program.
Program Response:
4.7.2 The program shall demonstrate formal, regular interaction with at least one
professional forensic science organization.
Program Response:
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SECTION 3 – STANDARDS FOR GRADUATE PROGRAM
NOTE: This section is to be filled out only if the program seeking accreditation leads to the Master’s degree.
5.0 GRADUATE PROGRAM STANDARDS
A graduate forensic science program shall provide advanced education in the scientific and
laboratory problem-solving skills necessary for success in a modern forensic laboratory.
Such a program shall combine rigorous scientific and laboratory training with exposure to
the breadth of forensic science disciplines, including forensic science practice, law
enforcement, and ethics.
Standard 5.1 Mission, Goals and Objectives
The graduate forensic science program shall have a clearly formulated mission appropriate
to the institution and shall include teaching and learning, research, and service. The goals
and educational objectives of the program shall be clearly specified, consistent with the
mission, and appropriate in light of the degree(s) awarded.
Program Response:
Goals and Objectives for the Department of Forensic Sciences
At the end of this course of study the student will understand
The role of forensic science in the criminal justice system
The scientific basis of his/her area of concentration
At the completion of this course of study the student will understand his/her ethical obligations
with respect to
Conducting only those analyses for which he/she has demonstrated ability
Conducting only those analyses for which his/her laboratory has the proper equipment and
appropriate standard reference materials
The interpretation of analytical results without bias
The accurate presentation of his/her qualifications as an expert witness
Offering opinions only within his/her specific area of expertise
Presenting all evidence that has probative value
Being truthful in all of his/her professional activities
Forensic Chemistry Concentration
At the completion of this course of study the student will understand
Types of trace evidence encountered in the forensic science laboratory
Mechanisms for the transfer, redistribution and loss of trace evidence
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Controlled substances analyzed in the forensic science laboratory
The interpretation of the results on common laboratory instrumentation (including FTIR, GLC,
GC-MS, XRF and XRD).
How to present analytical results and interpretations of those results in written reports
How to prepare for and present expert testimony
At the completion of this course of study the student will be able to
Conduct analyses of trace evidence including hairs and fibers, glass and soil, paint and plastics,
ignitable liquid residues and explosive residues
Conduct analyses of controlled substances
Interpret the results of the analytical analyses
Present the analytical findings and interpretation in written reports and in sworn testimony
Qualify for employment in a forensic laboratory
At the completion of this course of study the student will understand his/her ethical obligations
with respect to
Conducting only those analyses for which he/she has demonstrated ability
Conducting only those analyses for which his/her laboratory has the proper equipment and
appropriate standard reference materials
The interpretation of analytical results without bias
The accurate presentation of his/her qualifications as an expert witness
Offering opinions only within his/her specific area of expertise
Presenting all evidence that has probative value
Being truthful in all of his/her professional activities
Forensic Molecular Biology
Upon completion of this degree program the student will have a clear understanding of
1.the general rules of evidence, specifically what is required to gain admissibility of the
identification of blood and body fluids and DNA evidence in a court of law.
2. basic crime scene processing principles and concepts needed to properly process a major
crime scene and to identify, collect, package the evidence obtained from it
3. the tests necessary for the presumptive screening and confirmation of blood and body fluids.
4. the procedures and processes for the extraction of DNA from blood, body fluids, and epithelial
cells, including the differential extraction of sexual assault evidence.
5. the procedures for the quantitation of nuclear DNA Slot-Blot and Q-PCR
6. the procedures for short tandem repeat (STR) DNA amplification and detection and mtDNA
amplification and sequencing
7. the interpretation of the results of Slot-Blot, Q-PCR, DNA sequencing, and STR typing
including mixture analysis.
8.the principals of population genetics and statistics applied to the field of Forensic Sciences and
to DNA based Human Identification.
9.the production of a professional written report of the results of analysis of evidence in a clear
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and understandable format to non-scientists with the expectation that it will be presented in
court.
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Action-based items (to do). Upon completion of this degree program the student will be
able to:
o perform presumptive screening and confirmation of blood and body fluids.
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extract DNA from blood, body fluids, and epithelial cells including the
differential extraction of sexual assault evidence.
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quantitate nuclear DNA using Q-PCR.
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perform STR DNA amplification and detection and mtDNA amplification and
sequencing on ABI 9700 thermal cyclers and ABI 3130 DNA analyzing
equipment.
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perform interpretation of the results of DNA sequencing, and STR typing
including mixture analysis.
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perform statistical calculations to determine random match probabilities of a DNA
profile and Likelihood ratios non exclusion probabilities for familial relations.
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write a professional report of the results of analysis of evidence in a clear and
understandable format to non-scientists with the expectation that it will be
presented in court.
Ethics - At the completion of this program students will understand that
1. no analyst shall materially misrepresent his or her education, training, experience,
area of expertise, or membership status in organizations relevant to forensic
science.
2. no forensic scientist shall materially misrepresent data or scientific principles
upon which his or her conclusion or professional opinion is based.
3. no analyst shall materially alter the results of testing to satisfy the request of any
party involved in an action involving evidence tested by the analyst..
At the completion of this course of study the student will understand
the foundational theories of toxicology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics
the mechanisms of toxic effects
the methods of drug detection in biological samples
the interpretation of analytical toxicology results
how to present analytical results and interpretations of those results in laboratory and written
reports
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how to prepare for and present expert testimony
Forensic Toxicology
At the completion of this course of study the student will be able to
Conduct analyses of human samples for the detection of drugs
Interpret the results of the analytical analyses
Present the analytical findings and interpretation in written reports and in sworn testimony
Qualify for employment in a forensic or analytical toxicology laboratory
At the completion of this course of study the student will understand his/her ethical obligations
with respect to
Conducting only those analyses for which he/she has demonstrated ability
The interpretation of analytical results without bias
The accurate presentation of his/her qualifications as an expert
Offering opinions only within his/her specific area of expertise
Presenting all evidence that has probative value
Being truthful in all of his/her professional activities
Standard 5.2 Graduate Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in a forensic or natural science (or its equivalent coursework in a
relevant field) shall be required for entrance into a graduate forensic science program.
Program Response:
Admission to the Master of Forensic Science degree program requires a bachelor’s degree in a
natural science or forensic science. Different concentrations within the Master of Forensic
Science degree program have different admissions criteria:
Forensic chemistry: bachelor’s degree in chemistry or forensic science from an accredited
college or university.
Forensic molecular biology: A bachelor's degree in the biological sciences from an accredited
college or university. Students must meet the FBI standards for a forensic DNA technical leader,
having had 12 credits of course work either as an undergraduate or graduate student in the
following areas before coming to GW: genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology/molecular
genetics, statistics and/or population genetics. The department requires a course in population
genetics (FORS 6228). These courses may be taken as part of the undergraduate curriculum or as
part of the 36 credit hours of approved course work.
Forensic toxicology: A bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences, chemistry, or forensic
science from an accredited college or university.
Certain students who wish to pursue a career in one of the identification sciences (latent
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fingerprints, document examination or firearm and tool mark identification may pursue a Master
of Forensic Science degree outside of the concentrations listed above. These students must have
bachelor’s degrees in natural science or forensic science from an accredited college or university.
Standard 5.3.1 General Curricular Requirements
The graduate program in forensic science shall offer a coherent curriculum that reflects
the mission and goals of the program.
The curriculum shall, at a minimum, ensure that each student:
1. Develops an understanding of the areas of knowledge that are essential to
forensic science,
2. Acquires skills and experience in the application of basic forensic science
concepts and of specialty knowledge to problem solving,
3. Is oriented in professional values, concepts and ethics, and
4. Demonstrates integration of knowledge and skills through a capstone experience,
such as a formal, objective tool (e.g., the ABC-Affiliate pre-certification process)
or other comprehensive examination, thesis, and/or research project.
The program shall define clear learning objectives for each discrete component of the
curriculum. The program shall have clear procedures for assessing and documenting each
student’s progress toward the fulfillment of these learning objectives and toward readiness
for forensic science practice.
The program shall provide students with the basic knowledge necessary for effective
testimony as an expert witness, and each student shall participate in practical experiences
where they will render expert testimony, e.g. moot court.
Program Response:
To insure that students in the Master of Forensic Science degree program have a broad
knowledge of forensic science, they are required to take course work which covers forensic
science field s outside their area of concentration.
All students in the master of Forensic Science degree program are required to take ForS 6292:
Graduate Seminar. This course covers professional values and ethical standards, as well as
quality assurance and quality control in the forensic science laboratory.
In accordance with the requirements of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences all courses
taught within the Department must include their goals and objectives in their syllabuses. All
graded exercises within the courses (e.g. examinations, papers, presentations and laboratory
reports) are used to assess and document students’ fulfillment of learning objectives. At the end
of the degree program each student is required to pass a master’s comprehensive examination
designed to test the students’ integration of knowledge and skills. Each comprehensive
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examination includes a focus question in which students are required to analyze and interpret
data in the context of a forensic investigation.
Students in the Master of Forensic Science degree program are required to take ForS 6223:
Criminal Law III Moot Court.
Standard 5.3.2 Specific Topic Requirements within the Curriculum
The curriculum shall include the following topics:
5.3.2.1 Core Forensic Science Topics
The following topics must be part of the curriculum:
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Crime scene investigation
Physical evidence concepts
Law/science interface
Ethics and professional responsibilities
Quality assurance
Analytical chemistry and instrumental methods of
analysis
Drug chemistry/toxicology
Microscopy and materials analysis
Forensic biology
Pattern evidence
The emphasis on each topic should be appropriate in light of the degrees awarded.
Program Response:
5.3.2.2 Courses in Specialized Areas
The curriculum must include graduate-level science courses appropriate to the
specialization, track(s), and/or concentration(s) offered by that institution. For example,
courses covering the topics of molecular biology and population genetics, advanced
analytical chemistry, toxicology, and materials analysis may be appropriate.
Program Response:
5.3.2.3 Graduate Seminar
A formal seminar presented by invited experts, faculty, and/or students covering topics
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such as published work, original research, and other relevant topics must be offered.
Program Response:
ForS 6292: Graduate seminar is required of all Master of Forensic Science students. Students
must take this course twice. In the first iteration of the course students are introduced to scientific
method, the forensic science research literature, ethical issues in forensic science and
professional practice in forensic science. In the second iteration students prepare their
independent research projects for publication and for presentation.
5.3.2.4 Research
Each student is required to complete an independent research project. The research
project shall culminate in a thesis, or written report of publishable quality. The academic
program must have written guidelines for the format of the thesis or report. In addition,
the results of the work shall be presented orally in a public forum for evaluation by a
committee.
The research shall be conducted in an environment conducive to research and scholarly
inquiry, and shall provide the opportunity for faculty and students to contribute to the
knowledge base of forensic science, including research directed at improving the practice of
forensic science.
A committee of at least three individuals to include faculty, forensic practitioners and other
with specialized knowledge will evaluate the project. At least one member of the committee
must be external to the department housing the academic program.
Program Response:
Digital Evidence
5.3.3 Specific Topic Requirements within the Curriculum
The curriculum shall include the topics described in standards 5.3.3.1 through 5.3.3.4.
5.3.3.1 Core Forensic Science Topics
The following topics shall be part of the curriculum:
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Crime scene investigation
Physical evidence concepts
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Law/science interface
Ethics and professional responsibilities
Quality assurance
Forensic biology
Pattern evidence
Hardware forensic concepts
Software forensic concepts
Network forensic concepts
Program Response:
5.3.3.2 Courses in Specialized Areas
The curriculum must include graduate-level science courses appropriate to the
specialization, track(s) and/or concentration(s) offered by that institution (e.g. network
forensics, personal electronic device (PED) forensics, embedded device forensics, incident
response, reverse engineering, multimedia forensics, legal issues, information security,
operational management). An advanced computer and network forensics course that
requires a graduate course as perquisite must be completed.
Program Response:
5.3.3.3 Graduate Seminar
A formal seminar presented by invited experts, faculty, and/or students covering topics
such as published work, original research, and other relevant topics must be offered.
Program Response:
5.3.3.4 Research
Each student is required to complete an independent research project. The research
project shall culminate in a thesis, or written report of publishable quality. The academic
program must have written guidelines for the format of the thesis or report. In addition,
the results of the work shall be presented orally in a public forum for evaluation by a
committee.
The research shall be conducted in an environment conducive to research and scholarly
inquiry, and shall provide the opportunity for faculty and students to contribute to the
knowledge base of forensic science, including research directed at improving the practice of
forensic science.
A committee of at least three individuals to include faculty, forensic practitioners and other
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with specialized knowledge will evaluate the project. At least one member of the committee
must be external to the department housing the academic program.
Program Response:
Standard 5.4 Program Director
The program director shall be a full-time employee of the academic institution,
appropriately qualified to provide leadership in forensic science education, research, and
scholarly activities so that students are adequately prepared for professional forensic science
practice.
Program Response:
Professor Walter F. Rowe, the present chair of the Department of Forensic Sciences, is a tenured,
full professor. Professor Rowe has a PhD in chemistry from Harvard University and two-years
experience in the US Army crime laboratory system as a forensic drug chemist and forensic
serologist. He was also a credentialed US Army criminal investigator. Professor Rowe has
published over fifty research articles and book chapters. He is also a Fellow of the American
Academy of Forensic Sciences. Professor Rowe’s curriculum vitae accompanies this self-study
document.
Standard 5.5 Faculty
The faculty shall be able to fully support the program’s mission, goals, and objectives.
Specifically, faculty members and other instructional personnel shall be appropriately
qualified, by education and experience, and adequate in number to implement the
instructional program. In addition, the number of faculty members shall be sufficient to
ensure the offering, on a regular basis, of the full range of courses needed for the degree
program.
At least 75 percent of the full-time science faculty teaching in the graduate forensic science
program shall have an appropriate doctoral degree; faculty members with working
experience in a forensic science laboratory are preferred.
The scientific and educational capabilities of the faculty should be distributed over the
major areas of the program.
Full-time faculty members shall oversee all coursework and ensure its applicability to the
program’s mission, goals, and objectives.
The program shall have well-defined policies and procedures to recruit, appoint, and
promote qualified faculty, to evaluate the competence and performance of faculty, and to
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support the professional development and advancement of faculty.
Program Response:
The full- and part-time faculty members of the Department of Forensic Sciences are qualified by
both education and experience to teach in the Master of Forensic Science degree program. All
core courses and the full range of elective courses in the Master of Forensic Science degree
program are taught at least once per academic year.
Of the six full-time faculty of the department five have PhD degrees or the equivalent. There are
four full-time faculty members who teach students in the Master of Forensic Science degree
program; all have PhD degrees or the equivalent. All four also have forensic laboratory
experience.
The three concentration of the Master of Forensic Science degree program are forensic
chemistry, forensic molecular biology and forensic toxicology. The present department full-time
faculty consists of one forensic chemist, two forensic molecular biologists and one forensic
toxicologist.
The full-time faculty of the department periodically reviews course syllabuses, examinations and
other graded exercises to insure that the courses appropriately advance the degree program’s
mission, goals and objectives.
The Department of Forensic Sciences follows the policies and procedures of the Columbian
College of Arts and Sciences in the recruitment, appointment and promotion of faculty. Each
year each full-time faculty member submits an annual report which summarizes his or her
scholarly and teaching activities for the year. Teaching performance is evaluated through
standardized online student evaluations, as well as observation by senior faculty.
Standard 5.6 Success with respect to Student Achievement
The program shall demonstrate that its graduates have an advanced education in the
scientific and laboratory problem solving skills necessary for success in a modern crime
laboratory. The program may do this through the use of a formal, objective tool (such as
the ABC-Affiliate pre-certification process) or another appropriate pre-graduation
assessment.
The program shall also document its record of student performance, as measured by
degree completion rates, job placement rates, and any additional outcome measures the
program may use to assess student progress and achievement. These records shall be
maintained for at least five years after student graduation.
Program Response:
FEPAC Form 5.2
(Self-Study Report)
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Standard 5.7 Professional Involvement
The program shall provide service to the forensic science profession and to the community
through some combination of communication, collaboration, consultation, technical
assistance, continuing education programs, and any other means it may have for sharing
the program’s professional knowledge and competence. The purpose of this involvement is
to provide opportunities for faculty and students to contribute to the advancement of the
field of forensic science, and to maintain program currency and credibility with
practitioners and forensic science laboratory administrators.
To enhance the preparation of students for employment in forensic science laboratories,
the program shall have a formal interaction with at least one operational forensic science
laboratory.
Program Response:
FEPAC Form 5.2
(Self-Study Report)
v. Feb 2011